Whether it’s a quick trip down the road, your daily commute to work, or you’re heading out on a summer road trip, it’s important to always wear your seatbelt.
Seatbelts protect you in a crash or if the vehicle stops suddenly. Wearing a seatbelt reduces the risk of being killed or seriously injured in a road crash by about 40%.
You don’t know what can happen when you’re on the road. But we do know that buckling up only takes a few seconds but can be the difference between making it home to your family and friends or not.
Wearing a seatbelt incorrectly is dangerous and may be just as bad as not wearing one at all as it can lead to severe injuries or death. Make sure that:
Worn or damaged seatbelts can be dangerous and cause the belt to decrease strength or snap in a crash or sudden stop. Don’t wait for your next warrant of fitness inspection – get worn or damaged belts fixed as soon as you find any faults.
Common seatbelt problems include:
All modern cars in New Zealand must be fitted with seatbelts in the front and back seats.
It’s the law that if you sit in a seat fitted with a seatbelt, you must wear the seatbelt. If you're 15 years or over and drive or ride in a vehicle without wearing seatbelt you can be fined.
If you’re the driver of the vehicle you are responsible for ensuring all passengers under 15 years are wearing seatbelts or age-appropriate child restraints that are correctly fitted into their vehicles. You can be fined for a passenger aged under 15 riding in your car without wearing a seatbelt or child restraint.
Find detailed information on the requirements for using child restraints:
Child restraints
There are additional requirements for seatbelts in motorhomes:
Seatbelts in motorhomes
